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Golden Lion: Restoration of Birmingham’s Historic Building

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Exposed Structural Frame Wide View Wide shot of the exposed skeletal timber frame of the Golden Lion building.

At long last, the Golden Lion is coming back to life. I first visited the building last year, before restoration began, when Irene from Birmingham Conservation Trust gave us a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the plans for this Grade II listed gem. Now, with work well underway, I had the chance to return to see the progress taking place.

Golden Lion Conservation in Progress Overall view of the Golden Lion building mid-restoration surrounded by scaffolding.
Golden Lion Conservation in Progress – Overall view of the Golden Lion building mid-restoration surrounded by scaffolding in Cannon Hill Park.

The Golden Lion has quite a story. Built in the early 1600s, it originally stood in Deritend High Street and has lived many different lives over the centuries. In 1911 it was moved to Cannon Hill Park, where it later served as a cricket pavilion and refreshment room. For more than 20 years, however, it has stood empty until support from Historic England  and local funders allowed Birmingham Conservation Trust and the City Council to begin the restoration.

Old and New Timber Joinery Detail showing new timber carefully joined with original wood during Golden Lion restoration.
Old and New Timber Joinery – Detail showing new timber carefully joined with original wood during Golden Lion restoration.

This latest visit was something special. The hard hat tour was limited to just six people, making it a rare opportunity to see the restoration up close. Irene once again led the visit, starting with an update on progress so far before introducing us to Richard, the site manager from Reynolds Conservation. After the essential health and safety briefing, we were suited up in hard hats and high-vis and then it was time to explore.

Richard the site manager from Reynolds Conservation site manager - Golden Lion Restoration Project
Richard, the site manager from Reynolds Conservation – Golden Lion Restoration Project

Unlike my previous visit, when we viewed the interior, this time we walked around the outside via scaffolding. It gave a completely different perspective to the house. The focus of the work is currently on the timber frame i.e. the true skeleton of the building. The roof timbers are in surprisingly good condition, but the lower sections have needed careful repair. Everywhere you looked, numbered markings showed where attention was required, and skilled carpenters were meticulously blending new timber with old. The result is a fascinating mix of a centuries old building meeting modern craftsmanship.

Roof Timbers Interior View Historic roof timbers inside the Golden Lion building during conservation works.
Roof Timbers View – Historic roof timbers of the Golden Lion building during conservation works.
Golden Lion Upper Structure from Scaffolding View of the Golden Lion upper structure taken from scaffolding during restoration.
Golden Lion Upper Structure from Scaffolding – View of the Golden Lion upper structure taken from scaffolding during restoration.

The same careful approach is being taken with the brickwork. Damaged bricks are removed and replaced with historically appropriate materials, following Historic England guidelines. Listening to Irene and Richard discuss the restoration was a highlight. Their passion for getting every detail right was obvious. Even the replacement window glass has been specially researched to ensure it matches the original look and character of the Golden Lion.

Hard Hat Tour Group Visitors wearing hard hats and high-visibility jackets during a guided Golden Lion restoration tour.
Hard Hat Tour Group with Irene and Richard – Visitors wearing hard hats and high-visibility jackets during the guided Golden Lion restoration tour.
Window Frame Restoration Window frame and broken glass at the Golden Lion.
Window Frame Restoration – Window frame and broken glass at the Golden Lion.
Window Frame Restoration Restored window frame and historically matched glass installed at the Golden Lion.
Window Frame Restoration – Restored window frame and historically matched glass installed at the Golden Lion.

From a photography perspective, it was a dream visit. The exposed timber frame was particularly striking. I loved the geometric angles, and the texture of the wood used, new and old. Standing there, you could almost feel the building poised between past and future, ready for its next chapter.

Craftsmanship Detail Shot Close-up showing traditional craftsmanship techniques used in Golden Lion timber repairs.
Craftsmanship Detail Shot – Close-up showing traditional craftsmanship techniques used in timber repairs.

I felt incredibly lucky to be part of such a small tour, and I can’t wait to see the Golden Lion fully restored. It’s one of those projects that reminds you how much history still survives and in this case fortunate that the right people provide the chance for the building to shine again.

Wood shavings left over from the Golden Lion timber repairs
Wood shavings left over from the timber repairs

A major grant from Historic England has made the restoration of the Golden Lion possible, and without that support it’s unlikely the work would have started so quickly. If you’d like to learn more about the Golden Lion and its history, be sure to check out the links below.

Behind the Scaffolding: A Glimpse Inside the Golden Lion
Categories blog

Lighting Up the dark nights: Chasing the Colours at Birmingham Light Festival

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
All Eyes on the Town Hall Giant illuminated eyes on the Birmingham Town Hall columns in Victoria Square.

Birmingham Light Festival is back for its second year, brightening up Valentine’s weekend. The nights are still dark; the weather has been wet for so long that a burst of colour and light is exactly what is required to lift the mood before spring finally arrives.

I signed up for a photo walk organised by IgersbirminghamUK as part of the Birmingham Light festival. Our mission was to cover as many installations as possible on foot. Birmingham is a big city, but the artworks are placed at key spots, each linked by a brisk 5 to 10 minute walk.

Firefly Field
We met at St Paul’s Church, where the lawn shimmered with tiny moving lights. Up close, they revealed themselves as hundreds of glowing points gently “dancing” in the dark. This ‘Firefly Field’ looked magical to the eye, but photographing the movement was a challenge. A tripod and long exposure did the trick, turning the flickers into sweeping trails of light.

Birmingham Light Festival
Firefly Field Long Exposure – Long-exposure light trails showing the movement of firefly-style lights at Birmingham Light Festival.

Ideas Happen Here
Our next stop was Newhall Square hear to the canal. Here, a giant glowing lightbulb sat beside a reflection pool. The artwork was bold, playful, and perfect for photography. The reflections doubled the impact, offering endless composition options. I had seen this at last year’s Birmingham Light Festival, but it still felt fresh when viewed for a second time.

Birmingham Light Festival
Ideas Happen Here – Large illuminated lightbulb sculpture at Newhall Square during Birmingham Light Festival.

Victoria Square
Victoria Square was packed with activity. In nearby Chamberlain Square, a giant Valentine’s heart glowed for the selfie crowd. Meanwhile, Birmingham Town Hall was watched over by huge, illuminated eyes.  These were quirky and slightly surreal surrounded by the columns which were lit in shifting colours.

Birmingham Light Festival
All Eyes on the Town Hall – Giant illuminated eyes on the Birmingham Town Hall look down on Iron:Man.

In the square, a silly statues x silent disco was in full swing. Dozens of people danced freely in total silence, headphones glowing. Light projections covered the Council House, inflatable figures waved overhead, and the whole scene felt wonderfully absurd. Even the Floozie in the Jacuzzi looked extra glamorous for the Birmingham Light Festival.

Birmingham Light Festival
Silent Disco Crowd – People dancing with glowing headphones during a silent disco in Victoria Square at night.
Birmingham Light Festival
Birmingham Light Festival with a balloon man dancing in front of the Council House.
Birmingham Light Festival
Birmingham Light Festival – the Floozie in the Jacuzzi.

The Heartbeat of Brindleyplace
After more walking, we reached Oozells Square, where glowing green boxes pulsed gently with real human heartbeats from across the city. Each box represented a person going about their day creating a strangely intimate and surprisingly moving concept. Capturing their reflections in nearby restaurant windows added another layer of storytelling.

Birmingham Light Festival
Heartbeat of Brindleyplace – Green glowing boxes pulsing with light in Oozells Square pulsing in time with real human heartbeats.
Birmingham Light Festival
Birmingham Light Festival – beating hearts reflected in a restaurant window.
My Beating Heart

Our Beating Heart
The walk between the artworks became part of the experience as we headed off towards the Mailbox.  There were canal reflections, glowing restaurant lights, and even a rogue flamingo hat floating in the water. At the Mailbox, we found a giant illuminated heart installation. I preferred the Heart’s past location at Snow Hill where there is more space, but it still made an eye-catching stop for photography.

Birmingham Light Festival
Brightly lit restaurants along the canal water near the Mailbox in Birmingham.
Birmingham Light Festival
Birmingham Light Festival – whose flamingo hat is this?
Birmingham Light Festival
Our Beating Heart Installation – Large illuminated heart sculpture displayed on the steps at the Mailbox.

Roof of Stars
On Thorp Street outside Birmingham Hippodrome’s stage door, strings of star-like lights stretched overhead They are beautiful to see, but tricky to photograph. Thankfully, some shiny parked cars nearby provided perfect reflective surfaces.

Birmingham Light Festival
Roof of Stars – Overhead canopy of star-like lights suspended across Thorp Street.

Reunion
Back to our walk and the 1,000 trades square had arches of light symbolising connection between people.   The colourful arches outside New Street station symbolised reunions and framed the streams of passing travellers. This was a dream place for street photography with light, movement, and real human moments all in one place.

Birmingham Light Festival jpg
Reunion Light Arches – Glowing archway installation near Birmingham New Street Station with people walking underneath.

My Heart Belongs in Birmingham
By now, my legs were protesting, but there was time for one final stop. Tucked into a tree near the Shakespeare pub were glowing hearts withthe “Instagram-ready” slogan, “My heart belongs in Birmingham.  We joined the long line of photographers capturing the same shot but it was worth it.

Birmingham Light Festival
My Heart Belongs in Birmingham – Illuminated heart shapes hanging in a tree on Lower Temple Street.

Huge thanks to Nadia, Kasim, and Jack from IgersbirminghamUK for leading such an energetic tour of the Birmingham Light Festival. Covering that much ground and that many installations in one evening was seriously impressive.

FORGED
I returned the following night to catch a fiery animatronic installation featuring pounding industrial music (Insurgent), flame effects, and dramatic mechanical movement. It perfectly captured Birmingham’s industrial heritage brash and noisy, it was spectacular and impossible to ignore.This year’s festival clearly built on the success of the first. If this is the direction that the Birmingham Light Festival is heading, then it will be a highlight of Birmingham’s winter calendar for years to come.

Birmingham Light Festival
FORGED – Fiery animatronic installation with flames and industrial lighting effects at Birmingham Light Festival.
The fire breathing bat at FORGED
Birmingham Light Festival
Insurgent playing at the FORGED art installation. I would love to hear them again.
Insurgent at FORGED

You may wish to compare this year’s description of the Birmingham Light Festival with the one that took place in 2025 and here is my blog of the event.

The lights are on at Birmingham for those long winter nights.
Birmingham Light Festival - Frefly Bokeh
Firefly Bokeh
Categories blog

Black and White Birmingham – A Misty Walk Along the Canals

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Atmospheric black and white canal photography in Birmingham

The day was black and white, and the Birmingham weather matched the mood. A dull sky hung overhead as mist rolled in, partially obscuring several buildings along the way.

Atmospheric black and white canal photography in Birmingham
The area of my journey at Snow Hill Station
Atmospheric black and white canal photography in Birmingham
The tree branches out and covers the tower blocks

Walking beside the Birmingham Canal Navigations, the mist created a stark, atmospheric view of the city. I found the conditions ideal for photography, with a strong black and white theme naturally emerging in my images.

Atmospheric black and white canal photography in Birmingham
Pointing the way to what is happening in Birmingham.
Atmospheric black and white canal photography in Birmingham
A close up of the moss on the brickwork around the canal

I was using what I like to call my big camera, a Canon R6 Mark II. Paired with a fast zoom lens, it’s a setup I’m comfortable with, although it’s not something you can slip into a coat pocket like a compact camera. Because of that, I was careful not to keep the camera out from under my coat for long periods.

Atmospheric black and white canal photography in Birmingham
I saw this person with a white coat and she lined up perfectly with the surround views
Atmospheric black and white canal photography in Birmingham
A classic view of the Gas Street Basin

During those brief moments when I did take it out, I looked for both unusual and familiar views of the canals focussing on the black and white. The walk from Snow Hill to Gas Street Basin was an enjoyable one, and the photographs reflect that journey through Birmingham in misty, monochrome conditions.

Atmospheric black and white canal photography in Birmingham
A cyclist goes past at speed just off Water Street.

If you enjoyed this read then please delve deeper into my blog with this entry into my blog. Written in 2019, the entry describes the 250th anniversary of the Birmingham Canal Network.

BCN 250th Anniversary
Categories blog

Blue Hour in Digbeth: Winter Street Photography at Sunset

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Blue Hour in Digbeth: Winter Street Photography at Sunset

January offers many advantages when photographing Digbeth. The sunset lines up along many of the streets, including Floodgate Street. The main thoroughfares through the area have lights strung across the sides of buildings. The combination of the yellow lights and the blue-hour skies makes for a pleasing picture. My blog has photography of my visit last year.

Blue Hour in Digbeth: Winter Street Photography at Sunset
Blue Hour in Digbeth: Winter Street Photography at Sunset

When I arrived in Digbeth, I was despondent, as there were roadworks under the railway arches and traffic light controls were in place. This was going to spoil the aesthetics of my pictures. I walked around the familiar sights along Gibb Street and Floodgate street. I took photographs of the murals and other interesting features. I like the satirical messages from Fokawolf and his posters were in the garden of the Old Crown. There is so much to see in Digbeth.

Puddle reflections at Digbeth Blue Hour
One way directions along Gibb Street.
Blue Hour in Digbeth: Winter Street Photography at Sunset
The artist Fokwolf and his poster on culture wash.

As the sunset began, there were some colours in the sky, which helped create a suitable backdrop. The light faded further, and the yellow lights above became more prominent. The blue hour was well underway, and the bright lights shone strongly overhead. I found that the roadworks had turned to my advantage. The traffic lights made the cars slow down and stop. The green, red and yellow lights added colour to the scene.

Waiting for the bus at the bus station.
The cars go slow for the roadworks in Floodgate Street

Young people had finished at the local colleges for the day and added their silhouettes to the street scenes as they blocked the bright lights from the cars. Some of the street art appeared to come alive, as the silvers and yellows jumped out when stray light caught the paint.

Blue Hour in Digbeth: Winter Street Photography at Sunset
Silhouettes on Floodgate Street.
Blue Hour in Digbeth: Winter Street Photography at Sunset
The long walk along Gibb Street.

There is a classic puddle that is ever-present at the end of Gibb Street. I am aware that the area has a high water table, but this may simply be a blocked drain. I enjoy seeing this puddle, as I like photographing reflections. Using the reflections, I captured several images that were different from those I had taken before. I was able to catch more of the Digbeth lights.

Blue Hour in Digbeth: Winter Street Photography at Sunset
Blue Hour reflections in the puddles of Gibb Street.
Blue Hour in Digbeth: Winter Street Photography at Sunset
On the way home

I returned to Floodgate Street and captured the lights, people, and buildings against the blue-hour sky. Pleased with the results, I walked back towards Moor Street. On the way, I noticed the bus station fully lit and, of course, took a few photographs of the scene. As I reflected on the train, photography in Digbeth always delivers.

Blue Hour in Digbeth: Winter Street Photography at Sunset
Waiting for the bus at the bus station.

Digbeth features a lot in my blog over the years and here are some links to get you up to speed with the area.

Digbeth Street Photography
Categories blog

Birmingham Photowalk with Marcin SZ: Amazing Winter Light

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.

Marcin SZ has been leading Birmingham photowalks since 2020. An accomplished photographer, he shares his work on Instagram under Birmingham_Photography, capturing the city during the golden and blue hours in vibrant colour and bold black and white.

Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography
Marcin our host for the Birmingham photowalk

As part of my New Year’s resolution to explore new photographic opportunities, I joined one of Marcin’s photowalks. We met outside the Library of Birmingham, where a small group of photographers gathered before heading out to explore the city.

Marcin our host for the Birmingham photowalk
Dancers gather outside the windows of the Library to practice their routines. This causes bemusement to people passing by.
Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.
A street cleaner creates a striking silhouette in the light.
Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.
The brand new Octagon building towers over the former four-star Copthorne Hotel now scheduled for demolition.

Despite the cold winter weather, Centenary Square was full of activity. The low afternoon sun reflected off the Library’s glass façade, creating long shadows and strong contrast—ideal conditions for street photography in Birmingham.

Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.
Whilst the walkways between buildings are wide, they are made to look narrow by the height of the buildings.
Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.
Two figures move along the walkway between buildings.
Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.
The Town Hall is partly revealed by the available light.
Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.
Major Birmingham landmarks take their turn in catching the light.

Our Birmingham photowalk took us through Chamberlain Square and past the Town Hall, where Marcin encouraged us to look for architectural details and light patterns often overlooked. Hill Street, bathed in winter light, offered compositions reminiscent of New York. Along the way, spontaneous moments appeared, including a group of cyclists performing wheelies near Brunel Street.

MaBirmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.rcin Walk
Hill street has those New York vibes about it especially with the low level sun.
Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.
This picture is to remind me that sometimes the best pictures arise when you least expect them.
I went on a super photowalk and this picture is to remind me that sometimes the best pictures arise when you least expect them.
This cyclist was performing a wheelie on his bicycle as he ride down Brunel Street.

We continued towards the Mailbox and the Cube, where intense horizontal light produced striking graphic shadows. After photographing the frozen waters of Gas Street Basin, Marcin invited us to his studio on the 10th floor of Quayside Tower. From there, we enjoyed panoramic views across Birmingham as the setting sun filled the sky with warm tones and soft pink clouds.

Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.
Overlooking the towpath from the Cube bridge. Long shadows in the setting sun start to look atmospheric.
Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.
The surface of the water in Gas Street Basin has frozen leaving consumer debris on the ice.
Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.
Golden hour over the City generates vibrant colours.

Birmingham Photowalk reflections

I highly recommend joining such a Birmingham photowalk with Marcin SZ. He is genuinely passionate about photography and has a natural ability to guide people towards compelling scenes. The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming, and suitable for all experience levels. It was a memorable afternoon, made even better by beautiful winter light and inspiring company.

If you enjoyed this account of a Birmingham photowalk then here are some links to previous walks done in Manchester and London.

Hello Manchester, my old friend
London times – taking in the streets of Islington and Shoreditch
Categories blog

Birmingham Christmas Markets: Food, Lights and Festive Atmosphere

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025

Birmingham Christmas Markets in the City Centre

Every year, the Birmingham Christmas markets take over the city centre. Visitors come to enjoy festive food, warming drinks, and the lively atmosphere created by the stalls. While prices can be high, knowing what to expect makes the experience enjoyable, although deep pockets do help.

Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
The classic decorations along Birmingham New Street.
Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
there are many stalls selling Christmas gifts.
Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
Buying that expensive food and drink. Prices on display.
Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
Walking along New Street.
Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
I captured the conductor on the tram. who seems to be singing a Black Sabbath song for Christmas.

Cathedral Square and Colmore Row

The Cathedral Market is my preferred part of the Birmingham Christmas markets. It is better organised than along New Street and uses the footpaths around St Philip’s Cathedral, which makes it easier to walk around. The food stalls here are linked to the Colmore Row business district, giving this area a calmer and more relaxed feel. This year, Asha’s has a stall in the square, and the food is excellent. Another popular stop is the pop-up pub Pigeon in the Park, which is always busy and adds to the festive spirit.

Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
I visited Cathedral Square during the day and sampled some fine street food.

Lights, Rides, and Winter Attractions

As the nights grow darker, the Christmas lights across the city shine even brighter. They look especially impressive around Victoria Square and Chamberlain Square, where the decorations draw large crowds.

Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
Victoria Square looking festive.
Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
Ho, Ho, Ho!
Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
Lots of Choice to be had.

Over in Centenary Square, the big wheel dominates the skyline. Nearby, the Magic Mouse rollercoaster is entertaining to watch, although riding it may not be for everyone. The illuminate ride makes a great subject for photographs. The ice-skating rink is also packed most evenings, proving how popular these winter attractions are.

Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
The big wheel.
Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
Mesmorising colours on the Wild Mouse rollercoaster.

Why the Birmingham Christmas Markets Still Work

Every year, I take time to wander around the Birmingham Christmas markets and the city itself, and I never tire of it. Although I often hear critical comments about Christmas in Birmingham, the crowds tell a different story. People clearly enjoy the atmosphere and the chance to celebrate the season together.

Below are a few photos of the markets and decorations. They are very different from the lights of London and show that Birmingham does Christmas in its own distinctive way.

Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
Waiting for the punters.

Links

More Christmas links with London.  There is also a blog describing the Birmingham market in 2023.

Wandering Through London’s Christmas Lights: A Night of Colour, Chaos and Calm
Is it Christmas yet? Birmingham thinks it is!

Categories blog

Digbeth Photography – Capturing Change in Birmingham’s Creative Quarter

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Changing Digbeth, December, 2025

Digbeth Photography and Constant Change

There is one certainty in Birmingham: Digbeth always changes. For anyone interested in Digbeth photography, this makes the area endlessly fascinating. New buildings appear, artwork evolves, and the streets never look the same from one visit to the next.

New Buildings Transforming Digbeth

One of the most noticeable recent developments is the new block of flats being built opposite the Custard Factory. The building stands on the former site of the old Peugeot Garage and Irish Centre. From a photography point of view, this construction is already changing sightlines and creating new contrasts between old and new Digbeth. We wait and see if these contrasts are really beneficial to the area.

Changing Digbeth, December, 2025
Cranes overlook Digbeth

As more people live closer to the city centre, Digbeth continues to evolve into a place where work, culture, and residential life sit side by side.

Changing Digbeth, December, 2025
Digbeth adds extra colour to where we live. @MrPenfold

Street Art Through a Photographer’s Lens

For Digbeth photography, the street art is a major draw. New shops and restaurants continue to open, while the artwork on the walls constantly changes. Because there are only a limited number of spaces, older murals are often painted over to make way for new designs. Some murals stay the same.

Changing Digbeth, December, 2025
A classic mural still remains @philthblake

Fresh graffiti now sits alongside long-standing pieces. In some areas, heavy tagging covers earlier murals in a more random style. Even so, bold colours and striking shapes continue to dominate, making Digbeth a living canvas for urban photography.

Changing Digbeth, December, 2025
Love this artwork from @miscfit
Changing Digbeth, December, 2025
Figure in the Archway.
Changing Digbeth, December, 2025
Arch reflections (artists unknown)

Photographing a Changing District

This post is a roundup of some of the new scenes and artwork I’ve photographed recently. Wherever possible, I’ve credited the artists. If any credits are missing, please leave a comment and I’ll update the post.

Changing Digbeth, December, 2025
The yellow door (artwork @phithblake and @Fum.Armada
Changing Digbeth, December, 2025
Bike lineup (artist unknown)
Changing Digbeth, December, 2025
Blue mural on the walls of the Red Brick Market (artist unknown)

I’ll be back in the new year to focus once again on Digbeth photography during the blue hour, which is one of my favourite times to capture the light and shadows in this changing part of Birmingham. One thing remains true — Digbeth always changes.

Changing Digbeth, December, 2025
Changing Street
Changing Digbeth, December, 2025
Changing City

Links

Digbeth Street Photography
A Digbeth sunset followed by the blue hour
Categories blog

The Concrete Cathedral: A Journey Under Spaghetti Junction

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill Interchange, November 2025

Why am I so fascinated with Spaghetti Junction? Perhaps it’s the way the urban landscape blends nature with man-made geometry, or the history embedded within the structure. In an alternative life, I imagine myself travelling the motorway system, passing along the M6 and then indicating to join the Aston Expressway into Birmingham. Yet during such journeys in the car, I rarely think about what lies beneath these roads.

Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill Interchange, November 2025
The look of an unfinished cathedral within Salford Circus.
Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill Interchange, November 2025
Movement in the underpass.

Under the concrete pillars that support the motorway network, the space resembles an incomplete cathedral, a place to worship the industry of construction workers, accompanied by the hymns of thundering traffic overhead. Cars and lorries make their presence known through constant noise and vibration. In contrast, the quiet canal network predates the junction. Around the concrete pillars, flows the River Tame and the still waters of Salford Reservoir reflect the motorway traffic. A train line also cuts through the area, all converging at what we know as Spaghetti Junction, or more formally the Gravelly Hill Interchange. The regimented concrete pillars and the patterns created by the elevated roads provide endless photographic opportunities. Inspiration is everywhere.

Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill Interchange, November 2025
Waiting for the World Cup draw.
Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill Interchange, November 2025
So that is where the channel changer is.
Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill Interchange, November 2025
Careful where you tred.
Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill Interchange, November 2025
Cycling along the arches.
Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill Interchange, November 2025
Watch out for the cyclists as they speed along the towpaths.

Back in July, I visited Spaghetti Junction with a group of photographers. One of the highlights of any trip beneath the M6 is the artwork of Bill Drummond. Formerly of the KLF and now a recognised artist, Drummond has been regularly posting his work on a particular wall near the heart of the junction. I was surprised to find the artwork wall completely white. In the photo I took, one of the few pedestrians we encountered beneath Spaghetti Junction walks past the empty space. Although I was disappointed not to capture any of Drummond’s artwork, I’m intrigued to see what reappears here in the coming weeks.

Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill Interchange, November 2025
Surveying a white wall at the iconic graffiti site under the M6.

This Spaghetti visit started with a request from a fellow photographer Nicky who knew a photographer friend who had never been to the area before. I agreed to be involved in planning such a walk and enjoyed visiting the place again. John Waine was the visiting photographer and his work is outstanding. Follow the link to see more of his work. If anyone who reads this blog and wishes to visit what lies beneath the motorway then please contact me. Depending on timing and commitments, I will be happy to show them around.

Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill Interchange, November 2025
Construction workers on a break.
Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill Interchange, November 2025
Abandoned trailer.
Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill Interchange, November 2025
Best seat in the Junction.
https://damienwalmsley.com/spaghetti-junction-stories-a-photo-essay/
This has to be posted as it is one of the classic views of the walk along the canal underneath the Junction.

Finally here is an account my last visit under the Interchange and the blog includes links of previous visits.

Spaghetti Junction Stories: A Photo Essay
Categories blog

The MECC Bus: A Moving Hub of Community Spirit in Balsall Heath

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
MECC Blue Bus, Cannon Hill Park, November, 2025

Balsall Heath is an absorbing place to photograph. As part of the Balsall Heath Observation Project, I have connected with many local groups. Several individuals have kindly taken the time to walk with me around the streets of Balsall Heath and share their memories—both past and present—of the area. During these photowalks, I have photographed the surroundings and recorded their stories. I have also spoken with many residents to learn about daily life, how the community works together, and the ways people support one another.

MECC Blue Bus, Cannon Hill Park, November, 2025
The mobile citizen Advice Logo

One of the charities that has welcomed me and offered an opportunity to see their work is the MECC on Court Road. The MECC charity supports the local community by offering advice and information on a wide range of topics, including employment opportunities, education, and training. The Trust also provides access to household support funds that help vulnerable Birmingham households with essential living costs. Their website offers further details, where you can learn more about the valuable contribution they make to the Balsall Heath community.

MECC Blue Bus, Cannon Hill Park, November, 2025
Discussing the merits of the MECC

One activity that particularly interested me was the MECC bus. This “energy” bus serves as a mobile base that provides advice and information to the local community. At the invitation of Tony Fox, a volunteer with the Trust, I went to see the bus for myself. The blue MECC bus was parked in Cannon Hill Park near the gates leading to Cannon Hill Road. There I met Tony and Bashir, who were running the information centre for the day. The weather was bright and sunny, and many people stopped to speak with them as they passed by. Several members of the public showed interest, and Tony and Bashir were more than happy to engage, explain their work, and share information leaflets.

MECC Blue Bus, Cannon Hill Park, November, 2025
Tony displays the MECC uniform.

I found that we had a great deal in common, and I really enjoyed my time learning about their work. My photographs show the bus along with Tony and Bashir. The MECC charity has many aims, and if you would like to learn more, please visit their website: https://www.mecctrust.co.uk.

MECC Blue Bus, Cannon Hill Park, November, 2025
Advice sheets.
MECC Blue Bus, Cannon Hill Park, November, 2025
MECC-Zero

If you happen to see the MECC bus on your travels especially when it is in Canon Hill Park then please give Tony and Bashir a shout out. Their work is improving the wellbeing of the community.

MECC Blue Bus, Cannon Hill Park, November, 2025
The sun shines on the MECC bus.

Balsall Heath Observation Project

This blog is part of my documentary project taking place in Balsall Heath. The project is a continuation of similar work completed in Stirchley, where over several weeks in 2024 we interacted with members of the local community. The Stirchley Observation Project was very successful, and I subsequently enrolled with the same group of photographers for the Balsall Heath Observation Project. We meet at the Old Print Works on Saturdays for formal lectures and project feedback. Each of us is undertaking a different project around Balsall Heath, an area of Birmingham rich in community activity and spirit. The project is part of the PRISM photography network.

Railway Arches, Coffee Shops, and Quiet Streets: Discovering Balsall Heath
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